Breast-strap and neck-strap connection.



E. J. HOFFMAN. BREAST STRAP AND NECK STRAP `CONNECTION.

, y 'APPLIATION FILENKB. E, 1909. 924,780.

Patented June 15, 1909.

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UNITED s'rnrns PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD J. HOFFMAN, OF HAMPTON, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-THIRD TOGLADFELTER E. SPOTZ AND ONE-THIRDTO JOHN P. MYERS, BOTH OF HAMPTON,

PENNSYLVANIA.

BREAST-STRAP AND NECK-STRAP CONNECTION.

Speccation of Iietters Patent.

Patented `Tune 15, 1909.

Application led March 8, 1909. Seri-a1 No. 481,953.

To all whom it may concern:

.Be it known that l, EDWARD J. HOFFMAN, citizen of 1. the United States,residing at Hampton, in the county of Adams and State of Pennsylvania,have invented certain new plied. Fig. 2 is a vertical section thereof. i

Referring specifically to the drawings, -6 indicates the breast strapwhich may be either single or double. The end of the tug 7 is stitchedto this strap, as usual. The

`connecting device consists of a lon itudinally extending Aplate 8 witha square oop 9 formed integral therewith and projecting from the upperedge thereof at or about the middle of the longitudinal plate. The neckstrap is attached to this loop by means of a short strap and buckle 10.

The plate is .connected to the breast strap by means of rivets 11 whichextend through the ends of the plate and also through the end of the tugand the end ofthe breast strap, whereby they are all fastened togethersecurely.

The plate and loop are made in one piece, connected tothe leather parts,and colisequently rattling is avoided. By making the loop 9 square atthe top, where the neck strap is connected, the latter is held to itsplace so that it cannot sli back on the neck of the horse and cause t ebreast collar to get out of lace in driving. The metal parts cannotrulbO the horse and the fastening devices are exposed so that anylooseness or breakage can be instantly detected. The

rivets which attach the plate 'in place also connect the tug or trace tothe breast strap, which is of decided advantage, because if the stitcheswhich connect the trace and the breast strap break or wear out, as theyare apt to do in time, the parts will nevertheless beheld together bythe rivets.

The device avoids the use of rings, which Vare objectionable, inasmuchas they allow the neck strap to swing back `out of place, and they alsorattle and the movement tends to wear out the leather parts to whichthey are connected.

l am aware that loops have been provided, as in Patents 124,996 and302,510, which are strap, andsewed or otherwise fastened in place, butthese are defective and dangerous, inasmuch as they work up and down andin time will cut through the threads and come out, thereby allowing thebreast strap to many cases.

With respect to safety the device herein claimed is superior to anydevices which are attached by sewing; also to devices made up ofVseveral parts and having rings, as in Patent No. 295,642, which ringswill rattle and eventually pull out and also wear out the neck strap orits connection. Besides, the present device being made in one piece ischeaper to make and easier to attach than devices made in several pieceswhich have to be assembled.

I claim:

The combination of a breast strap, a trace sewed thereto, a connectingplate placed on the outer side of the trace and having an integral loopat the upper edge thereof for attachment of a neck strap, and fasteningdevices extending through the plate, strap and trace.

In testimony whereof, I'afrix my signature in presence of two witnesses,l.

EDWARD J. HOFFMAN. lVitnesses:

CURTIS V. OHRONISTER, JOHN P. MYERS.

drop, with unfortunate consequences in inserted between the trace andthe breast

